Northside Health Library

Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Definition

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a condition that sometimes occur in people with long-term (chronic) iron deficiency anemia. People with this condition have difficulty swallowing due to small, thin growths of tissue that partially block the upper food pipe, or esophagus.

Alternative Names

Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia; Esophageal web

Causes

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown. Genetic factors and a lack of certain nutrients (nutritional deficiencies) may play a role. It is a rare disorder that can be linked to cancers of the esophagus and throat. It is more common in women.

Symptoms

Difficulty swallowing

Weakness

Exams and Tests

Some patients develop skin and nail abnormalities that the doctor can see during an examination.